Hodgson's position in charge of the national side is coming under more and more scrutiny, most recently after a forgettable 1-0 friendly victory over Norway. The England manager subsequently lost his rag with the media assembled after the game when asked about the amount of shots on target the side had.

Barton instead suggested there should be more emphasis on creating the right environment and culture for England players to thrive in.

He tweeted:

No point sacking Hodgson. Team England has a terminal illness coursing through its vital organs.

Barton evidently thinks it's a wider problem and that there needs to be a cultural shift amongst those towards the top of the pyramid at the FA.

But there will be some that take the alternative argument that removing Hodgson and appointed a new manager who is younger, and has fresh ideas could also benefit England in both the short and long term.

There is still some talent in and around the England squad. There's potential for an energetic midfield partnership in Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere, there are young defenders coming through the system like John Stones - and the pace and craft of both Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge are both players who have the capacity to cause opposition defences problems.

The environment needs to change for the better of course, but there would be logic in appointing a younger manager to oversee such changes whilst bringing fresh impetus to the senior side in the short term. The England side isn't perfect and has its faults, but one of its big faults is that at the World Cup they played several players out of position because a system suited the manager and not the players he selected.

That, as well as what Barton outlined, surely needs to be addressed as well?

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.